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Stylish trends and awareness efforts made for an extraordinary fashion show. The “Get Dressed Up Not Messed Up” Prom Fashion Show, hosted by the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) in conjunction with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) was held in April to raise awareness about drinking during prom season. |
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The fashion show, which featured local district court circuit judges along with students from various school districts, was held at Westland Mall in the east court.
“This is not only a fun event, but we hope teens will be better informed about the dangers of alcohol, so they can make healthy decisions,” said Theresa Webster, prevention administrator for SEMCA. “Even if a child is not driving they’re still in danger,” said Webster. |
 The tuxedos for our male models were provided courtesy of Steve Petix Formal Wear in Livonia. |
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“For the first time in 20 years, MADD has changed its mission due to the alarming amount of young people not only drinking, but also losing their lives,” said Jenny Lozano, Wayne County chapter director of MADD. “By showing teens the consequences they can make the night a lifetime memory, not a lifetime tragedy,” explained Lozano.
Marshall Field’s and its Premiere Salon and Spa, JCPenney, Steve Petix Formal Wear and Benson Diamond Jewelers displayed prom dresses, tuxedos and jewelry used in the show. WDRQ 93.1 was also on-hand spinning the latest tunes and enforcing the message of a safe prom season. |
 Circuit Court Judge James Chylinski and Meghan Ramsey, a student from John Glenn High School. |
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Celebrity models weren’t the only event highlight - SEMCA and MADD gave attendees a glimpse at the dangers of an actual car crash. Westland firefighters also demonstrated how emergency equipment, such as the Jaws of Life, are used at an accident scene.
In addition, a roadside memorial display described how one man’s personal tragedy inspired him to visit memorial sites so that the stories of other victims could be told with pictures. |
 Judge Anthony Guerriero of the 24th District Court escorts Bianca Revels. |
| “Our goal is to help young people understand the consequences of an alcohol related accident through a victim’s eyes,” said Jack O’Reilly, executive director of SEMCA. “We want students to make the right decisions and to be safe so they can enter the next phase of their lives,” explained O’Reilly. |
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Did you know:
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 Local law enforcement officers demonstrate MADD Fatal Vision goggles.  Shoppers get a glimpse of a car crash scene. |
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Parents Play a Part in Alcohol Prevention During Senior Year We have all experienced the excitement of senior year - either through the eyes of a neighbor, relative or your own teen. For high school students, spring break quickly follows prom, then graduation and then they’re hit with adulthood. But many educators caution parents to be proactive during prom and graduation season, because it can be a likely time when many young adults are introduced to alcohol - resulting in costly consequences. Theresa Webster, prevention administrator for the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA), said parents often get caught up when hosting festivities where alcohol is served to minors. “Some parents think by hosting parties they are protecting their child, but by serving to minors they are breaking the law and parents need to know that,” said Webster. Paul Brohl, social worker and safe and drug-free schools coordinator for Allen Park High School, said “Parents or older siblings, rent hotel rooms for students, giving them opportunity to do illegal things that can get them into trouble.” “This is becoming a trend, even if the child is not driving, they’re still in danger,” said Webster. “We are especially seeing many sexual-assault cases among teenagers as a result of alcohol.” Brohl said the parental role is critical when it comes to regulating alcohol amid prom and graduation season. “Many adolescents are still going to experiment because that's part of what adolescents do, but as parents and as a community, we have to try to make it hard for them if we want to keep them safe.” Webster said parents have to be more responsible in being involved in their teen’s lives. “Parents have to ask questions and know where their child is going to be and with whom,” Webster stressed. Erin Weber, social worker for Grosse Pointe North High School, said communication is the key. “It’s really not about saying no, it’s about understanding and really helping teenagers make good choices.” Derrick Lopez, assistant principal of Highland Park High School, said that ignorance prevents parents from holding meaningful discussions with their kids. “We have to empower parents about the dangers of alcohol and drugs to change the culture surrounding substance abuse.” Parents who suspect alcohol or drug abuse are encouraged to visit www.semcaprevention.org for a complete list of prevention services or call the Access, Assessment & Referral Service at 1-800-686-6543.Click here to visit our substance abuse services page. |
 (Escorts from left to right) Judge Richard Hammer, Judge Anthony Guerriero, Judge Timothy Kenny, Judge James Chylinski, and Judge Mark Summers (not pictured) took time out of their weekend to give their support to the “Get Dressed Up Not Messed Up” fashion show. 
 Ashlee Baracy, Michigan’s Miss 2003, encourages youth to stay away from peer pressure.    |
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